Fitness & Sports
Classes vary from term to term. Please check current program schedule for activities available this semester.
Capoeira
Capoeira (cap-oh-we-rah) is an original Afr0-Brazilian martial arts movement created by slaves in Brazil’s plantations as a means to fight oppression. This art form combines self-defense, dance, and acrobatics. Music is played on the Berimbau and other traditional instruments. Capoeira combines fluid, dance-like motion with kicks, tripping sweeps and other playful moves. More than a great fitness class, Capoeira helps children develop concentration, agility, focus, coordination, expressiveness and leadership skills. Recommended for all age groups!
Fantasy Games / Olympics
In this fun class students will take on contests and challenges in a way that will help them mature and build confidence. They will face dilemmas and be asked to solve problems, individually and in teams. The challenges they face will be both athletic and psychological. There will be different levels of difficulty depending on the age of the participants.
Fencing Masters
Introduction to the Olympic sport of speed, agility, and strategy! This comprehensive program teaches fencing – imparting the required discipline and strategic thinking that are integral to the sport. Classes are taught by Master Coaches who have earned Maestro degrees from internationally-acclaimed programs and have extensive coaching experience with all levels of fencing, from beginners to Olympians. Our apprentice fencers have the opportunity to participate in seasonal Tournaments organized by the Fencers Club.
Gymnastics
Children learn the basic body shapes necessary to acquire gymnastic skills. As the class progresses, students are introduced to the balance beam and the bar. Emphasis is placed on safety and on the value of exercise and patience. Older students concentrate on developing form, strength and flexibility. As they build confidence, our young gymnasts are encouraged to test their skills and move to the next level where they will face more challenging exercises.
Karate Kids
This workshop is designed to teach self-protection through confidence-building karate techniques. Explore balance, coordination, and mental focus in a non-competitive environment that teaches karate kicks, blocks, and basic self-defense.
Kung Fu
This popular class helps students build confidence, fitness and self-discipline. Like all of Maurice’s classes, students face new challenges as they ‘graduate’ to higher levels.
Mindfulness/Yoga
Students will be introduced to techniques that help raise self-awareness. Through meditation, yoga and art, we will learn how to improve our mind-body connection. This workshop is designed to build confidence and self-control.
Ninja Kids
Run, jump, climb, vault and tumble your way through fun and challenging obstacle courses like they do on Ninja Warrior! This class will focus on the fundamentals of gymnastics and parkour movement so that students can confidently take their training to the next level throughout the semester. Students will work together in designing and building the obstacle courses each class. Coach Natalie has competed on shows like American Ninja Warrior and Ultimate Beastmaster.
Parkour Adventures
Inspired by the original model of parkour training: community jams! Kids create movement challenges and games while exploring different locations, giving them the freedom to navigate their own parkour training while learning risk assessment and technique cooperatively from their coaches. Parkour’s emphasis on incremental progression and reflection help students develop healthy strategies for overcoming mental and emotional hurdles as well. By training together, children build team spirit, friendships, and self-awareness.
Sports Club
Children are introduced to a variety of sports including Basketball, Baseball, Soccer and Volleyball. Sports rotate throughout the semester. Emphasis on sportsmanship and fun.
Swim Program
This program is organized in partnership with the McBurney Y Aquatics Department. Afterschoolers are escorted by the PS 3’til 6 staff to the YMCA swimming pool on 14th street. Instruction is led by professional YMCA swim coaches. Children are tested when they first join the program so instructors can assess their skill-level and group them accordingly. Everyone should bring swim gear and towel. Caps are provided by the Y. IMPORTANT ** Swim students are dismissed directly from the YMCA (not from PS 3) when their class ends. Dismissal address: 125 West 14th Street.
Tennis Academy
QuickStart is a tennis format that was developed, structured, and is currently promoted by the United States Tennis Association for children ages 10 and under. In QuickStart tennis, young learners play with shorter racquets, on smaller courts, with lower nets and special balls. These adjustments give children more control and allow them to learn better and faster. All equipment provided.
